2024 WNBA Discussion Thread

[glv98]

I’m sure you’ll post Reese’s postgame comment, like you said you call it like you see it. Wonder if she took the high road.

What AR said:

LOL on 20 times before Monday. It was 200 times before she left that room. This whole thing is so tired and depressing and unneccessarily tied to culture wars. Not fair to either player. I just hope our collective nano second attention span makes it run out of steam soon.

Agree, it’s annoying. I have noticed Rickea makes a very good effort not to do that.

Also, did anyone see Rickea hug the girl who gave out the towels? Sweet.

RJ does sometimes have a word for the refs, but not too much and certainly not to the determent of getting back on D. LOL she knows her ground on D is much too shaky for that.

Was that the towel girl? Wondered who that was. RJ was effusive in postgame about how great and helpful the whole organization has been to her. Don't think most people realize what a gaunlet this has been for all the high profile rookies.

That taunting/intimidating Reese did to Caitlin, in her face, following her around even after the game was over, was what made me dislike her. Doubt I’m the only one.

For me it started with the whole LSU team and their horrible behavior two seasons ago. But the chasing of CC (who I also didn't care for due to excessive on court antics) after the championship game was borderline psychotic and very disturbing. Taunting as an obsession.

I can tell you haven't watched the W for too long. If you did then you may notice how more physical the league is compared to WCBB. Watch for a while, there are many players that play like that. Maybe if she played on the Feaver CC may not be pushed around like she is now.

Rarely been so sick of a word as I am "physicality". That's become a cover for frankly embarrassing posturing to show the W can be as low as the worst of the NBA. Playing hard and physical is one thing, but making unneccessary roughness a calling card of the league is a big mistake IMO.

 

[glv98]

Not sure how Jordy doesn't start now, unless they just really like her as a spark off the bench or are thinking 6th POY.

 

[Majors]

What AR said:

This whole thing is so tired and depressing and unneccessarily tied to culture wars. Not fair to either player. I just hope our collective nano second attention span makes it run out of steam soon.

Funny, no mention of the “some people got a special whistle” Im sure that was just an oversight on your end.

The “basketball play” answer is a tolerated cop out when one can’t accept responsibility.

 

[glv98]

Funny, no mention of the “some people got a special whistle” Im sure that was just an oversight on your end.

The “basketball play” answer is a tolerated cop out when one can’t accept responsibility.

Not sure what you're talking about, I didn't edit the twitter post didn't know you could. "Basketball play" is also what CC said.

But dang, I'm SO over all of this. It's gotten exhausting and depressing with everyone rushing immediately to their corners to blather about nothing.

I'm just really glad the players and teams I'm interested in are far away from this crap. Even though Izzy and Diamond are on the Sky they really aren't involved in the muck.

 

[1reVOLver]

While Reese is performing the Reese act, Jackson and Edwards are playing solid rookie basketball. I prefer basketball.

 

[Majors]

Not sure what you're talking about, I didn't edit the twitter post didn't know you could. "Basketball play" is also what CC said.

But dang, I'm SO over all of this. It's gotten exhausting and depressing with everyone rushing immediately to their corners to blather about nothing.

I'm just really glad the players and teams I'm interested in are far away from this crap. Even though Izzy and Diamond are on the Sky they really aren't involved in the muck.

Didn’t say you edited it, just chose not to acknowledge her taking a swipe at the “special whistle” comment.

 

[glv98]

While Reese is performing the Reese act, Jackson and Edwards are playing solid rookie basketball. I prefer basketball.

x1000.

Truthfully it's shaping up like the Sky made a mistake taking Kamilla over Rickea. Kamilla is doing well and is going to be a force in the W, but the Sky's immediate need is for a go to scorer, not redundancy at post since they had Angel plus Izzy coming back. But I'm very thankful that didn't happen. I like RJ far away from that whole mess.

Edwards is also solid and impressive and drama free. Once the Mystics get Austin and Sykes back, they're going to be tough.

 

[glv98]

Didn’t say you edited it, just chose not to acknowledge her taking a swipe at the “special whistle” comment.

Wasn't really aware of it, probably bc it's routine post game W stuff. Hamby said it about Aja Wilson just the other day, and after Wilson had been bloodied three times in one game.

Whatever, this stuff has become comical in it's nonsense, little more than a Rorschach test for people's already held beliefs.

 

[Majors]

Wasn't really aware of it, probably bc it's routine post game W stuff. Hamby said it about Aja Wilson just the other day, and after Wilson had been bloodied three times in one game.

Whatever, this stuff has become comical in its nonsense, little more than a Rorschach test for people's already held beliefs.

Calling out the refs and saying a player you got a flagrant foul against isn’t “routine post game W stuff”

 

[glv98]

Calling out the refs and saying a player you got a flagrant foul against isn’t “routine post game W stuff”

I think flagrant is being used unfairly in this case. Most people see that and jump straight to intentional. It was only upgraded to Flag 1 bc the contact was to the head. Refs who reviewed had opportunity to upgrade to flag 2, intentional, and didn't.

 

[Majors]

I think flagrant is being used unfairly in this case. Most people see that and jump straight to intentional. It was only upgraded to Flag 1 bc the contact was to the head. Refs who reviewed had opportunity to upgrade to flag 2, intentional, and didn't.

Intentional based on past is how the viewers see it. This wasn’t two random players making “basketball plays” on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[glv98]

Intentional based on past is how the viewers see it. This wasn’t two random players making “basketball plays” on a Sunday afternoon.

Exactly. The viewer Rorschach. I don't deny this crap is actually what is driving viewership. You already said it's what got you and your son interested yesterday. Hell if I'm half the conspiracy guy some on here are the whole CC vs AR thing is probably totally WWE style staged by the league. But then you read just a smattering of the racist comments both get and realize it's all just more cultural poison.

It's the gift that keeps on giving. They play again next weekend.

Meanwhile, I'm happy to be in the minority who is haughtily above it all lol. What he said:

While Reese is performing the Reese act, Jackson and Edwards are playing solid rookie basketball. I prefer basketball.

 

[Rixxx]

This is sort of off topic but, I don't understand how Phoenix' Sophie Cunningham still has a roster spot. I guess she is energy off the bench with usually no offensive contributions.

 

[glv98]

This is sort of off topic but, I don't understand how Phoenix' Sophie Cunningham still has a roster spot. I guess she is energy off the bench with usually no offensive contributions.

An enforcer who's established herself as enough of a personality to stick around. Wrestling is better with love to hate bad guys I guess.

 

[Amb3096]

This is sort of off topic but, I don't understand how Phoenix' Sophie Cunningham still has a roster spot. I guess she is energy off the bench with usually no offensive contributions.

Sophie averages 7.9 ppg on 44% shooting in 26 minutes off the bench. Those are solid #'s for a reserve. Chennedy Carter is probably the best reserve in the league averaging 13.3 ppg/52.5%/20 min)

Contrast that to other high profile bench players like Jordan Horston (6.2 ppg/47.5%/20 min), Ariel Powers (8.8 ppg/36.8%/19 min), Tiffany Mitchell (4.7 ppg/32.1%/16 min) and Aari McDonald (8 ppg/42%/20 min), then Sophie's numbers look perfectly good.

 

[knoxvol52]

An enforcer who's established herself as enough of a personality to stick around. Wrestling is better with love to hate bad guys I guess.

How does Sophie look in Wrestling gear? WWE always looking for new talent to promote.

 

[glv98]

How does Sophie look in Wrestling gear? WWE always looking for new talent to promote.

LOL she's probably worn it as a pregame outfit.

 

[madtownvol]

I think flagrant is being used unfairly in this case. Most people see that and jump straight to intentional. It was only upgraded to Flag 1 bc the contact was to the head. Refs who reviewed had opportunity to upgrade to flag 2, intentional, and didn't.

Exactly, a flagrant one means that it was accidental but nonetheless endangering to a player's safety. Lost in the play is that Izzy blocked the shot (and CC never had a chance of scoring over her). Bad decision from Angel.

CC had a nice game against the sky flirting with a triple double and shooting a decent percentage from 3 (3-7).

She has up and down games but when you look at her overall body of work to this point, she is putting up some rookie marks that have only been matched by Catch, Taurasi, and CP3 and we are not half way through the season.

In the "hot take" world of social media and shock jock sports punditry, way too much emphasis has been put on these early weeks of the W season, particularly for the rookie class.

When it all is said and done, Clark is going to have one of the top 3 to 5 rookie seasons ever; Reese will probably set a double-double record and Rickea will prove the best pure scorer of the bunch. Brink will find her groove as well.

This rookie class, including Edwards and Cardosa, is going to collectively live up to the hype. They are all really good.

 

[LV renaissance]

Per the Athletic from the NYT, Rickea got Rookie of the Week.

Rookie of the week​

Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks​

Heading into the WNBA Draft, general managers were fairly united in their assessment of Rickea Jackson: a professional scorer who could get buckets in a hurry and in a variety of ways. As she settles into her rookie season with the Sparks, Jackson is living up to the billing. The forward had her best game of the season before last week, when L.A. ran its offense through her down the stretch against the Aces, and she continues to put up strong scoring performances as she acclimates to the physicality.

Against Minnesota on Friday, Jackson mostly settled in the restricted area and used her size and strength to finish dump-offs and second chances. Against Atlanta, she did a little bit of everything. Jackson hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer and also scored on a post-up with her back to the basket. She finished through contact in transition, identified mismatches to attack, and even crossed over former rookie of the year Rhyne Howard. One of her most impressive plays was a lob into Li Yueru as Jackson came off a dribble handoff and had the center re-screen for a pick-and-roll; that playmaking ability isn’t what Jackson is known for, but she’s using her scoring threat to start creating for others.




Jackson is third among rookies in scoring and third in field-goal percentage among those who play at least 10 minutes per game. She’s 13th overall among forwards in field-goal percentage, converting her buckets at a higher clip than All-Stars such as Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and DeWanna Bonner. Sparks coach Curt Miller was beaming at Jackson’s maturity as she spoke about the need to defend and be physical in order to earn her minutes. She’s already staked her claim to a starting role and is demanding more touches as the second-most efficient scorer on L.A.

​

 

[chuckiepoo]

Jackson is living up to the billing.

Go, Sister! Really grateful she chose Tennessee.

 

[glv98]

Per the Athletic from the NYT, Rickea got Rookie of the Week.

Rookie of the week​

Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks​

Heading into the WNBA Draft, general managers were fairly united in their assessment of Rickea Jackson: a professional scorer who could get buckets in a hurry and in a variety of ways. As she settles into her rookie season with the Sparks, Jackson is living up to the billing. The forward had her best game of the season before last week, when L.A. ran its offense through her down the stretch against the Aces, and she continues to put up strong scoring performances as she acclimates to the physicality.

Against Minnesota on Friday, Jackson mostly settled in the restricted area and used her size and strength to finish dump-offs and second chances. Against Atlanta, she did a little bit of everything. Jackson hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer and also scored on a post-up with her back to the basket. She finished through contact in transition, identified mismatches to attack, and even crossed over former rookie of the year Rhyne Howard. One of her most impressive plays was a lob into Li Yueru as Jackson came off a dribble handoff and had the center re-screen for a pick-and-roll; that playmaking ability isn’t what Jackson is known for, but she’s using her scoring threat to start creating for others.




Jackson is third among rookies in scoring and third in field-goal percentage among those who play at least 10 minutes per game. She’s 13th overall among forwards in field-goal percentage, converting her buckets at a higher clip than All-Stars such as Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and DeWanna Bonner. Sparks coach Curt Miller was beaming at Jackson’s maturity as she spoke about the need to defend and be physical in order to earn her minutes. She’s already staked her claim to a starting role and is demanding more touches as the second-most efficient scorer on L.A.

​

Awesome but I hope it's not the Sports Illustrated cover curse. This week is going to be her biggest challenge yet playing the two best teams in the league. Tonight it's the bully ball Suns then twice against the Liberty. I expect Rickea to be guarded some by the Liberty player she considers her mentor and "Godsister" Benijah Laney Hamilton, one of the best defenders in the league.

The glass half full is she's played best against the best teams like the the Aces, and the Lynx.

The Sparks are toward the end of a 9 game in 18 day stretch, last 7 on the road, 4 games this week. RJ played 30+ mins Sunday. Legs have to be tired to dead. Doubt she or anyone will play that many mins these last 3 games which probably won't be close.

 

[Mafiaboss]

Per the Athletic from the NYT, Rickea got Rookie of the Week.

Rookie of the week​

Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks​

Heading into the WNBA Draft, general managers were fairly united in their assessment of Rickea Jackson: a professional scorer who could get buckets in a hurry and in a variety of ways. As she settles into her rookie season with the Sparks, Jackson is living up to the billing. The forward had her best game of the season before last week, when L.A. ran its offense through her down the stretch against the Aces, and she continues to put up strong scoring performances as she acclimates to the physicality.

Against Minnesota on Friday, Jackson mostly settled in the restricted area and used her size and strength to finish dump-offs and second chances. Against Atlanta, she did a little bit of everything. Jackson hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer and also scored on a post-up with her back to the basket. She finished through contact in transition, identified mismatches to attack, and even crossed over former rookie of the year Rhyne Howard. One of her most impressive plays was a lob into Li Yueru as Jackson came off a dribble handoff and had the center re-screen for a pick-and-roll; that playmaking ability isn’t what Jackson is known for, but she’s using her scoring threat to start creating for others.




Jackson is third among rookies in scoring and third in field-goal percentage among those who play at least 10 minutes per game. She’s 13th overall among forwards in field-goal percentage, converting her buckets at a higher clip than All-Stars such as Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and DeWanna Bonner. Sparks coach Curt Miller was beaming at Jackson’s maturity as she spoke about the need to defend and be physical in order to earn her minutes. She’s already staked her claim to a starting role and is demanding more touches as the second-most efficient scorer on L.A.

​

This is why she’s a leader and not a boss. Big difference.

 

[glv98]

You can't deny it. Potential logo 3s with a big dose of Jerry Springer are what draws the viewers. But will they come for the cat fight and stay for the game? Will the W have to come up with some WWE rivalry stuff every generation to "grow the game."?

OTOH in the real world it's so definitely a "mid-off", thanks as always Andraya Carter.
:

 

[madtownvol]

Awesome but I hope it's not the Sports Illustrated cover curse. This week is going to be her biggest challenge yet playing the two best teams in the league. Tonight it's the bully ball Suns then twice against the Liberty. I expect Rickea to be guarded some by the Liberty player she considers her mentor and "Godsister" Benijah Laney Hamilton, one of the best defenders in the league.

The glass half full is she's played best against the best teams like the the Aces, and the Lynx.

The Sparks are toward the end of a 9 game in 18 day stretch, last 7 on the road, 4 games this week. RJ played 30+ mins Sunday. Legs have to be tired to dead. Doubt she or anyone will play that many mins these last 3 games which probably won't be close.

Tough games for sure but I am happy to see her get some accolades. She has been a been lost in the media coverage of rookies, wherre CC and AR have sucked up all the oxygen.

 

[madtownvol]

You can't deny it. Potential logo 3s with a big dose of Jerry Springer are what draws the viewers. But will they come for the cat fight and stay for the game? Will the W have to come up with some WWE rivalry stuff every generation to "grow the game."?

OTOH in the real world it's so definitely a "mid-off", thanks as always Andraya Carter.
:

Per Draya, in the NBA, the Lakers and the Warriors remain the big rating draws, not much better teams like OKC. Star power and audience interest do not necessarily follow the good teams but the stars.

What is interesting to me is that WCBB rivalries have never carried over to the WNBA before.